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Acting
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Application & Audition Requirements
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About this Program
Overview
The four-year Actor Training Program provides intensive training in movement, voice, the Alexander Technique, and other core aspects of the craft, allowing students to develop a comprehensive, embodied understanding of the actor's work and to apply that understanding to a diverse dramatic repertoire in rehearsal and production.
The Drama Division typically accepts 18 students per year composed of 8-10 undergraduates and 8-10 graduates who will work together as a group through the four-year acting curriculum.
For more detailed information about the program, please visit the Drama Division webpage. You will find answers to frequently asked questions here.
The MFA in Acting program is tuition-free for all four years of study, beginning with the 2024-25 academic year. The fourth and final year of the program also includes a living stipend.
Eligibility
In order to be admitted as a Bachelor of Fine Arts student, you must have:
- A high school diploma or its equivalent by the time you enroll
- English language fluency
If you apply to this degree program and are denied admission, you can apply again. After four unsuccessful attempts across both the BFA and MFA degrees, you are no longer eligible to apply.
Academic Requirements
In most cases, the Juilliard School requires no specific courses, GPAs, standardized test scores, or class rankings for entry to this program.
However, we will carefully evaluate your academic record and required essay to make sure you have the scholastic competence necessary to succeed in college-level coursework.
There are specific requirements for:
Criteria for Acceptance
In auditioning and interviewing potential students, the Drama faculty looks for the following qualities:
- A readiness to engage in challenging, intensive work
- A body, voice, and the imaginative and emotional capacities that promise significant potential for growth—this is more important than your present state of technical accomplishment
- An ability to connect with a character
- Curiosity, stamina, openness of mind, appetite for learning, and a willingness to take risks
- A generosity of spirit essential to working within an ensemble
- A sense of humor, sense of language, sense of rhythm, and a capacity for sustained concentration
- A serious commitment to preparing for the demands of a career as an actor
Application Timeline
Application Timeline
Applications to the College Division open on September 1 each year for enrollment the following fall. Please note the various deadlines for individual materials below.
Application timeline for prescreened applicants:
| Application Requirement (Prescreened Applicants) | Received-by Deadline |
|---|---|
| Online Application with Essay(s) | November 1 |
| Application Fee ($USD) or Fee Waiver | November 1 |
| SAT/ACT Scores (homeschooled applicants only) | December 1 |
| Recommender Information | November 1 |
| Request for ADA audition accommodations | November 15 |
| Recommendation Received | December 15 |
| Proof of English Language Proficiency | December 15 |
| Official Transcripts | Only if invited to final callback weekend |
Application timeline for non-prescreened applicants:
| Application Requirement | Received-by Deadline |
|---|---|
| Online Application with Essay(s) | December 1 |
| Application Fee ($USD) or Fee Waiver | December 1 |
| SAT/ACT Scores (homeschooled applicants only) | December 1 |
| Recommender Information | December 1 |
| Recommendation Received | December 15 |
| Proof of English Language Proficiency | December 15 |
| Request for ADA audition accommodations | December 15 |
| Official Transcripts | Only if invited to final callback weekend |
The following is required only if you are invited to an in-person callback audition:
| In-Person Audition Requirement | Received-by Deadline |
|---|---|
| Scholarship & Financial Aid Application | March 1 |
An audition scheduling email, which contains a link to an online registration system, will be sent to applicants upon submission of a complete application, including application fee or fee waiver documentation. You will schedule your own audition via the online system.
Auditions have limited space, and some dates will fill to capacity. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you check your schedule carefully and register for your choice of audition date as soon as possible.
All details will be available when registering for the audition.
| In-Person Auditions | Audition Date | Time | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York City | Thurs, Jan 11 | 8:15 a.m. | FULL |
| New York City | Fri, Jan 12 | 8:15 a.m. | FULL |
| New York City | Sat, Jan 13 | 8:15 a.m. | FULL |
| New York City | Fri, Jan 19 | 8:15 a.m. | FULL |
| New York City | Sat, Jan 20 | 8:15 a.m. | FULL |
| New York City | Sun, Jan 21 | 8:15 a.m. | FULL |
| New York City | Fri, Jan 26 | 8:15 a.m. | FULL |
| New York City | Sat, Jan 27 | 8:15 a.m. | FULL |
| New York City | Sun, Jan 28 | 8:15 a.m. | FULL |
| Chicago | Thurs, Feb 1 | 9:30 a.m. | FULL |
| Chicago | Thurs, Feb 1 | 2:30 p.m. | FULL |
| Chicago | Fri, Feb 2 | 9:30 a.m. | FULL |
| Chicago | Fri, Feb 2 | 2:30 p.m. | FULL |
| Chicago | Sat, Feb 3 | 9:30 a.m. | FULL |
| Chicago | Sat, Feb 3 | 2:30 p.m. | FULL |
| Chicago | Sun, Feb 4 | 9:30 a.m. | FULL |
| San Francisco | Tues, Feb 6 | 9:30 a.m. | FULL |
| San Francisco | Tues, Feb 6 | 2:30 p.m. | FULL |
| San Francisco | Wed, Feb 7 | 9:30 a.m. | FULL |
| San Francisco | Wed, Feb 7 | 2:30 p.m. | FULL |
| San Francisco | Thurs, Feb 8 | 9:30 a.m. | FULL |
| San Francisco | Thurs, Feb 8 | 2:30 p.m. | FULL |
| San Francisco | Fri, Feb 9 | 9:30 a.m. | FULL |
| Callback Weekend | March 14 - 17 | By invitation only |
Audition Results
You will receive notification of your admission status (admit, waitlist, or deny) through your application status page no later than April 1. Should you be admitted and enroll, your final official transcripts, indicating your graduation date, must be received by July 1.
Application Fee & Waivers
Application Fee
The $110 application fee is nonrefundable and must be paid through your application status page upon submission of your application. Your application is not considered complete until the fee has been received.
Fee Waivers
The inability to pay a college application fee should not be a barrier to applying to The Juilliard School. We offer need-based fee waivers through the process described here, and in the application.
First-time College Students
Fee waiver requests are available for first-time college students who demonstrate significant financial need by uploading one of the following to the application:
- An official SAT or ACT fee waiver form signed by a high school counselor OR
- An official NACAC fee waiver form signed by a high school counselor OR
- A letter on school stationery from a school counselor stating one of the following:
- You are enrolled in or eligible to participate in the Federal Free or Reduced Price Lunch program (FRPL).
- Your annual family income falls within the income eligibility guidelines set by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service.
- You are enrolled in a federal, state, or local program that aids students from low-income families (e.g., TRIO programs such as Upward Bound).
- Your family receives public assistance.
- You live in federally subsidized public housing, a foster home, or are homeless.
- You are a ward of the state or an orphan.
If you are unable to provide one of the above documents, you may provide the following:
- A letter from someone other than you (the applicant) that addresses your financial situation
All documentation must be in English. Original documents with translation are acceptable.
Transfer Students
Fee waiver requests are available for undergraduate transfer students who demonstrate significant financial need by uploading of one of the following to the application:
- If you are independent, a copy of your most recent tax form filed OR
- A letter on school stationery from your current college's Financial Aid Office stating that you have financial need of a fee waiver
If you are unable to provide one of the above documents, you may provide the following:
- A personal letter describing your financial situation
All documentation must be in English. Original documents with translation are acceptable.
Fee waiver requests will be evaluated after you have submitted a complete application. If you are requesting a fee waiver, please submit your application (including fee waiver documentation) but do not pay the application fee.
How to Upload
Fee waiver documentation (translated into English if not originally in that language) must be uploaded directly within the online application and submitted by the appropriate deadline. Documents must be in either .doc or .pdf format. (Convert your file to another format if you have scanned your document as a jpg.)
Fee waiver requests are processed on an ongoing basis. You will receive an email with the results of your request as soon as it is processed. Note that we have a heavy volume of requests to process at the deadline, so you may not receive your results until after the deadline has passed. This does not disqualify your application. Do not pay the application fee if your waiver request is still pending.
Your application status page will show an application fee payment due until your request is approved. If you are notified that your request for an application fee waiver is denied, you will be required to pay the application fee. Your application is not considered complete until the fee has been received. If your fee waiver request is processed after the deadline, and is denied, you will still have a grace period in which to pay the fee.
Your Application Materials
Your Online Application
Your application must be submitted online by the appropriate deadline. To begin, create your Juilliard Admissions Account, gather all of the required application materials, and follow the instructions to complete your application.
Your Essay(s)
A written essay is one of Juilliard’s application requirements. Our Admissions Committee uses your essay(s) to learn more about you as an individual, and to gain a sense of who you are beyond your application, transcript, and audition. Your essay helps the Admissions Committee understand how your past experiences have informed your life as an actor, and how Juilliard fits into your pursuit of a career in acting.
Essays are evaluated on the way you express your ideas, the written flow of your thoughts, and your use of language (including grammar and mechanics). Using outside help to write your essay—whether generative AI, including tools such as Google Bard and ChatGPT, or help from another person—undermines the ability of the Admissions Committee to evaluate your potential for success at Juilliard. Submission of your essay confirms that the writing was produced by you, with no assistance from another person or electronic resource.
Essay Requirements
- 1–2 pages, double-spaced, 12-point font
- written in English (not translated from another language)
- must be your own original work
- submitted within the online application
Tips for Writing Your Essay
- Take time to think about what you would say to the Admissions Committee about your experiences and goals as an actor.
- Get the ideas down in a rough draft, and then speak them out loud.
- Edit your rough draft so that it is clear, and expresses your thoughts. Avoid bland, general statements about being an actor.
- Have a friend read the essay to give you feedback on whether it genuinely sounds like you.
- Review the final draft for grammatical and spelling errors. (Remember that “Juilliard” is spelled with two “I”s: JUI-LLI-ARD.)
- Attach your essay to your application.
- Remember that AI may be a shortcut, but in the end, it does not represent your own thoughts. If you are seeking an education at The Juilliard School, self-examination and honesty are qualities that will serve your growth.
Topic
Please write about why you have chosen to become an actor and your personal artistic goals. We encourage you to write frankly and openly about your life, your connection to your art, and how you see your art connecting to the world. Share your passion about people, politics, other art forms or anything that speaks to you.
Additional Essay Requirements
Additional essays are required in each of the following circumstances:
Optional Essay
Should you have a personal or academic circumstance to share that you feel can provide context for a particular point on your resume – for example, a gap year, unusually low grades in a semester or year, etc. – you have the option to submit an additional short essay.
Your Transcripts
Transcripts are an important component of the decision process. They help us determine if you have sufficient scholastic competence to succeed in coursework at the level for which you are applying. The transcript requirement will be placed on your checklist with a clear deadline at an appropriate point in the application process. DO NOT SEND YOUR TRANSCRIPT UNTIL YOU ARE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT IT.
Official versus Unofficial Transcripts
- An official transcript is one that is sent from your school directly to Juilliard.
- To avoid the possibility of fraudulent transcripts, we DO NOT accept transcripts sent via email.
- An official transcript must show courses taken and grades earned.
- An unofficial transcript is one that you (the applicant) send to us or upload to your application.
- Because the transcript did not come from your school, it is insufficient for admission and does not fulfill the checklist requirement.
How Do I Send Juilliard My Official Transcript?
- If you are submitting a high school transcript, ask your school guidance counselor to send it to us.
- In the U.S., many high schools use secure electronic sending services such as Naviance, Parchment, eSCRIP-SAFE, or other system.
- Schools outside the U.S. typically send a hard copy of the official transcript to Juilliard via regular or express mail.
- If you are a homeschooled student in any country, ask your homeschool administrator (usually your parent) to send a transcript to us. See the Additional Requirements- Homeschool Applicants section for more information on what a homeschool transcript should contain.
- If you are a college student, follow the process outlined by your registrar to request that a transcript be sent to Juilliard.
- Electronic or paper?
- Electronic sending services must use this email address: [email protected].
- A paper record of your academic progress, including grades earned, is an acceptable alternative to an electronic transcript if it is sent in a sealed envelope directly from the issuing institution(s) to the Juilliard Office of Admissions (mailing address below).
Transcript Requirements for Students Studying in the US
- Official transcripts must be sent by the stated deadline once the requirement is added to your checklist.
- Your official transcript(s) must show all prior and current high school coursework.
- Report cards, grade reports, and other student records are not considered official transcripts.
- We understand that the current academic year has not ended, and that, if you are currently enrolled, you have not yet completed your program. Please submit your transcript as is by the deadline; a final transcript will be required later, if you are admitted and choose to enroll.
Transcript Requirements for Students Studying Outside the US
- Official transcripts must be sent by the stated deadline once the requirement is added to your checklist.
- If your transcript is not in English, we require the transcript in its original language as well as a certified translation.
- Your official transcript(s) must show all prior and current coursework, which must be equivalent or similar to a US high school curriculum.
- You will be notified if an official evaluation of your transcript is required in order to verify your academic level. Companies such as SpanTran (use this link for a discounted evaluation: SpanTran Pathway - The Juilliard School), WES, or ECE can provide this service for a fee.
- We understand that the current academic year has not ended, and that, if you are currently enrolled, you have not yet completed your program. Please submit your transcript as is by the deadline; a final transcript will be required later, if you are admitted and choose to enroll.
- You may view the status of transcripts at any time by logging into your application account.
- Hard copies of transcripts may be mailed to:
Office of Admissions
The Juilliard School
60 Lincoln Center Plaza
New York, NY 10023
Additional Requirements
Your Recommendations
In your application you will be required to identify two individuals who will provide letters of recommendation. The recommendations themselves are not due until later in the application timeline. Your recommenders will receive an email with a link to securely upload their letters to our application system. We will only accept recommendations received through our application system.
At least one of your recommendations should come from a teacher or theatre professional who has worked with you in a collaborative setting or seen your work on the stage and can address your work as an actor. If you are a first-time college applicant or home-schooled, the requirements for the second recommendation are as follows:
First-time College Applicants
One of your recommendations should come from a high school academic teacher, preferably in English, History, or other Language Arts course work. This will allow us to gain insight into your abilities in English and should acknowledge your speaking, reading, writing, and comprehension abilities.
Transfer Applicants
One of your recommendations must come from a current or past college professor (preferably someone who taught you in English, History, or other Language Arts course work) or someone you've worked with professionally who can assess your ability to do academic work. This recommendation will give us insight into your suitability for the BFA degree program.
Home-schooled Applicants
One of your recommendations should come from someone other than a parent who can address your speaking, reading, writing, and comprehension abilities. In addition, this recommendation should address your social maturity and ability to integrate well with other students and colleagues.
You may view the status of recommendations at any time by logging into your application account.
Your Resume
An artistic resume must be uploaded as part of the online application. The resume should be 1-2 pages and must include:
- Your name (and any alternate name used)
- Education (all diplomas/certificates/degrees earned or in progress)
- Any experience related to your intended major
There is no specific layout required for the resume; however it must be uploaded in either a .pdf or .doc file format. Please do not submit program bios. The resume is used as a reference for faculty and the Admissions Committee.
Your Photograph
A photograph or headshot is required. The photograph does not need to be taken by a professional, nor is there any specific format for photographs.
Scholarship & Financial Aid Forms
To be considered for financial aid and scholarship, you are required to submit the following items by the appropriate deadline:
| US Applicants |
|---|
| FAFSA |
| CSS Profile |
| Student Tax Forms |
| Parent Tax Forms |
| International Applicants |
|---|
| CSS Profile |
| Parent Income Documentation |
More information about our awarding policies can be found on the Financial Aid section of the website.
For information about tuition, fees and expenses, please visit Student Accounts.
Prescreening
Prescreening Requirements
Prescreening Required
Prescreening is required if you currently reside outside of the United States and Canada. This requirement does not depend on citizenship status or permanent address and cannot be waived. If you currently reside within the continental United States, you are not required to prescreen.
Prescreening Optional
If you reside in Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, or Canada, you have the option to prescreen.
Prescreening Audition Scheduling
Prescreening for actors applying to enter the program in fall 2024 will take place remotely via Zoom. You must register for and attend one of the scheduled prescreening auditions. If you are required to prescreen, you will not be able to register for an in-person audition unless you have received favorable prescreening results.
| Prescreening Date | Time | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Sat, Nov 11 | 8:30 a.m. | FULL |
| Sun, Nov 12 | 8:30 a.m. | FULL |
| Sat, Nov 18 | 8:30 a.m. | FULL |
| Sun, Nov 19 | 8:30 a.m. | FULL |
Prescreening Registration
- After submission of your application (including application fee or fee waiver), you will receive an email with instructions on how to register for your prescreening audition.
- You will schedule your own audition via the online system.
- All details will be available when registering for the audition.
- Auditions are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Audition dates may fill to capacity before the application deadline.
- We strongly recommend you submit your application and register for a prescreening audition well in advance of the application deadline.
Prescreening Notification
- All prescreening decisions are final.
- If you receive unfavorable prescreening results, you will not be permitted to schedule an in-person audition.
- If you receive favorable prescreening results, you must attend an in-person audition in order to be considered for admission.
- An invitation to an in-person audition is not an offer of admission, nor is it a guarantee of a callback.
Prescreening Content
Prescreening Audition Materials
-
Four memorized monologues (two heightened text and two contemporary), each approximately two minutes in length. In the initial audition, we will ask you to present two pieces – one heightened text and one contemporary. If we need to see additional material, we will ask you for another piece. Please be prepared to answer questions about the entire play from which your selection is chosen.
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At least one of the heightened text selections must be from a play by Shakespeare.
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At least one of the heightened text selections must be in verse.
-
In addition to Shakespeare, heightened selections may be drawn from any writers whose text is poetic or elevated.
-
Contemporary selections should be from writers working in the 20th and 21st centuries.
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You should prepare a part of a song (16 bars – twice the length of “Happy Birthday”), to sing a cappella (without accompaniment). If you are asked to sing, it is an opportunity for our faculty to find out information about your vocal range and instrument. A trained singing voice is not required for admission.
-
Answers to frequently asked questions about monologues may be found on the Monologue FAQs page.
Orientation and Warmup
- At the appointed time, you will connect to the online platform Zoom for a warmup and orientation.
- You will be given a window of time during which your individual audition will take place.
- You may use the time between the orientation/warmup and your audition for private preparation (simply by muting your audio and turning off your video).
- We ask that you remain in the Zoom meeting until your audition time.
Audition
- You will audition alone before a panel composed of Drama Division faculty.
- You will be asked to present two monologues – one heightened text and one contemporary.
- Please be mindful of the length of your monologues; we request that each monologue be limited to two minutes in length.
- Please wear comfortable clothing that permits freedom of movement.
- Some candidates may be asked to remain for additional work where they may be asked to do any or all of the following: repeat audition monologues, present additional monologues, and sing a cappella.
Callbacks
- Callbacks will take place on the same day as your scheduled audition.
- Callback information will be communicated periodically throughout the initial audition session.
- If you are selected to participate in callbacks, you should plan on being available for the remainder of the initial audition session.
- During the callbacks, you may be asked to do any or all of the following: repeat your audition monologues, present additional monologues, and sing a cappella.
- Some individuals will be asked to stay after callbacks for an interview with faculty.
- If you do not receive a same-day callback, you are no longer under consideration for admission.
Recommendations for Your Zoom Audition
- Carefully consider the space in which you are auditioning; ideally, there should be enough room for you to move around.
- Make sure your WiFi connection is as stable as it can be.
- It may be helpful to find a location for your audition which is near your router and to ask other family members to limit their streaming, etc. during your audition time.
- Ensure you have adequate lighting, especially from the front and side. Avoid placing yourself in front of a strong light source (for example, a window or an overhead lamp).
- Establish at least two positions for your recording device: one in which your entire body is visible and one in which we can see your face more clearly.
- Make sure to test your sound quality, and try to eliminate ambient noise.
- Zoom (zoom.us) offers free accounts so you can set up a meeting for yourself in advance to check your sound settings and lighting.
Additional Requirements
English Language Proficiency
Requirement
The ability to speak, read, and understand English fluently is an important factor in admissions decisions. You are required to show proof of English language proficiency by the application deadline if your native language is not English, regardless of citizenship. The Juilliard School defines native language as the language first spoken as a child and the primary language spoken at home.
Exemption
You may be exempt from the requirement to provide proof of English language proficiency if you meet certain criteria. Exemptions are determined by your answers to questions on the application form. To qualify for an exemption you must:
- Have attended school(s) on a full-time basis where instruction was entirely in English for a TOTAL of SEVEN of the past TEN years. Qualifying schools include primary, secondary, and undergraduate institutions.
An exemption to provide a test score as proof of English language proficiency is granted automatically if you meet the aforementioned criteria. Applicants who are exempt from providing a test score also are exempt from the ELP interview requirement.
Helpful Tool
To see if you may qualify for an exemption of the requirement to submit a test score as proof of English language proficiency, our online form can help you. Although this form does not grant exemptions or waivers, it can help you plan ahead should the result indicate that you need to schedule an ELP test.
English Language Proficiency Assessment Criteria
We assess your English language abilities using the following criteria:
- The results of a standardized English language proficiency test
- An online interview with staff from our English language office
- Your previous academic record
Note that your test score alone is not sufficient for admission; you must still meet our artistic and academic standards.
Test Scores
You must submit one of the following test types to document your current level of English language proficiency. If your score falls below the minimum scores listed here, you should carefully consider whether to continue the application and audition process. We reserve the right to deny an audition based on scores that fall considerably below our minimum.
| Test Type | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| Cambridge English | B2 |
| 73 | |
| 543 | |
| 6 | |
| SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing | 610 |
| ACT | 24 |
Juilliard's CEEB code: 002340
Juilliard's ACT code: 2778
The official test results must be sent directly from the testing company and received by the Office of Admissions by the appropriate deadline. Official test results must be on file before a decision of admit or waitlist can be released.
Interview Requirement
- Any applicant with a test score of 94 TOEFL and below (or the equivalent score for other accepted tests) is required to interview with Juilliard’s Director of ESL in order to demonstrate fluency in the English language.
- Undergraduate applicants who are exempt from the test score requirement also are exempt from the interview requirement.
Transfer Applicants
Definition
You are considered a transfer applicant if:
- You have earned a high school diploma or its equivalent
- You have attended at least one semester of full-time college study
Transcript Requirement
- You are required to submit a transcript showing prior and current coursework from all post-secondary institutions attended
- You are required to submit your high school transcript if you have completed fewer than two full-time semesters of post-secondary study
Essay Requirement
You must submit an essay explaining your decision to transfer from your current institution, in addition to the other required essays.
Program Length and Transfer Credits
- You are required to study at Juilliard for all four years of the program
- You are required to take a minimum of 12 liberal arts credits at Juilliard
- Additional credits from liberal arts courses taken at other accredited post-secondary institutions may be transferred at the discretion of the Registrar; courses with a grade lower than C or its equivalent are not eligible for transfer
- AP credits are not accepted
Homeschool Applicants
Questions within the Online Application
As a homeschooled student, you will have to respond to the following questions within the online application:
- What factors led to your decision to home school?
- What relationship (formal or informal) exists between your home school and your state (or provincial) department of education?
- Will the state recognize you as a high school graduate?
Transcript Requirements
Regardless of format, your homeschool documentation must be received by the stated deadline once the requirement is added to your checklist, and must include:
- All courses taken, including those in progress, and the academic year and semester in which each was taken
- Assessment of performance (letter grades, percentages, portfolio commentary, etc.) and an explanation of any applicable grading scales
- Evidence of official recognition by the school district and/or state department of education
- If you attended a high school for any period of time, you must submit official high school transcripts of any/all high school work
- If you enrolled in any college courses, you must submit official college transcripts
- Optional: a full outline of curriculum by subject
- Optional: reading lists
Standardized Tests
You are required to submit official SAT or ACT scores by the appropriate deadline. These scores must be sent directly from the testing agency. If you are unable to provide an official SAT or ACT score due to pandemic circumstances, please contact [email protected].
Juilliard's CEEB code: 002340
Juilliard's ACT code: 2778
Applicants with High School Equivalency
Acceptable Equivalencies
In lieu of a high school diploma, you have the option to submit the following high school equivalencies:
- GED (General Educational Development)
- TASC (Test Assessing Secondary Completion)
- CHSPE (California High School Proficiency Examination)
- International High School Equivalencies (contact Juilliard Admissions)
If you do not have proof of high school equivalency by the stated deadline, you must submit one or more of the documents listed below to demonstrate your academic preparedness.
Demonstration of Academic Preparedness
While submission of high school equivalency documentation satisfies Juilliard's minimum entry requirement, the following documents can be helpful in proving your ability to undertake coursework at the postsecondary level:
- Standardized test scores
- Advanced Placement (AP) exams
- High school transcripts
- College transcripts
- Homeschooling documentation
Formerly Enrolled Juilliard Students
Definition
You are considered a former Juilliard college student if you have not been in attendance during the previous academic year. You must submit all required application materials, in addition to the requirements below.
Essay
As a formerly enrolled Juilliard student, you are required to submit an additional essay explaining your motivation for resuming your studies or applying to another major at Juilliard. You may choose to address academic, artistic, or professional goals that you believe could be accomplished by returning.
Transcript Requirements
- You are required to provide official transcripts from all institutions attended after Juilliard
- Transcripts are already on file from your time at Juilliard and do not need to be submitted
Proof of English Language Proficiency
As a formerly enrolled Juilliard student, you do not need to submit proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, ITP Plus).
Decisions
We reserve the right to review your Juilliard enrollment record to assist with admissions decisions.
Currently Enrolled Juilliard Students
Online Application
You must apply if you meet one of the following criteria:
- You are seeking to change majors
- You are applying to a new program of study (changing your degree level)
Application Fee
As a currently enrolled student in the College Division, you are not required to submit an application fee as long as you submit your application by the appropriate deadline.
Essay
You are required to submit an additional essay explaining your motivation for continuing your studies at Juilliard. You may choose to address academic, artistic, or professional goals that you believe could be accomplished by remaining at Juilliard.
Recommendation(s)
Currently enrolled Juilliard students are also required to have recommendation(s) in support of their application. This can come from an internal faculty member or someone not affiliated with The Juilliard School.
Transcripts
As a current student, you do not need to provide your official transcripts, as they are already on file.
Prescreening Requirement
Prescreening is required only if both of the following are true:
- You are applying to a new major AND
- The major to which you are applying is prescreened
Proof of English Language Proficiency
You do not need to submit proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, ITP Plus).
Decisions
We reserve the right to review your Juilliard enrollment record to assist with admissions decisions.
Applicants with Disabilities
The Juilliard School seeks to facilitate the full participation of applicants with disabilities in the audition process. The school makes reasonable accommodations or adjustments for qualified individuals with known disabilities in compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).
Juilliard will not make pre-admissions inquiries as to whether or not a student has a disability; however, applicants with documented disabilities who require reasonable accommodations in order to participate in the audition process must notify the Office of Academic Support and Disability Services (OASDS) in writing by the appropriate deadline.
You will be required to submit documentation of your disability to OASDS; this information will be kept strictly confidential. You must complete the following forms in order for the school to accommodate your specific needs:
- Applicant Release of Disability Related Information Form
- Audition Accommodation Request Form
For more information and to access the forms please visit the Office of Academic Support and Disability Services page.
Auditioning for Juilliard
Audition Materials
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Four memorized monologues (two heightened text and two contemporary), each approximately two minutes in length. In the initial audition, we will ask you to present two pieces – one heightened text and one contemporary. If we need to see additional material, we will ask you for another piece. Please be prepared to answer questions about the entire play from which your selection is chosen.
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At least one of the heightened text selections must be from a play by Shakespeare.
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At least one of the heightened text selections must be in verse.
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In addition to Shakespeare, heightened selections may be drawn from any writer whose text is poetic or elevated.
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Contemporary selections should be from writers working in the 20th and 21st centuries.
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You should prepare a part of a song (16 bars – twice the length of “Happy Birthday”), to sing a cappella (without accompaniment). If you are asked to sing, it is an opportunity for our faculty to find out information about your vocal range and instrument. A trained singing voice is not required for admission.
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Answers to frequently asked questions about monologues may be found on the Monologue FAQs page.
Audition Scheduling
You must register for and attend one of the scheduled in-person auditions. If you are required to prescreen, you will not be able to register for an in-person audition unless you have received favorable prescreening results.
NOTE: If you feel sick or have been ordered by a public health authority to quarantine or isolate, please do not enter any Juilliard facility until medically cleared. Should you have COVID-19 symptoms or test positive, please follow CDC guidance and consult with a health care professional for further instructions regarding appropriate testing, isolation, treatment, and contact tracing. If you are unable to attend an audition due to illness, please contact [email protected] immediately to cancel your audition.
These policies and guidelines may continue to evolve and are subject to change. The latest information will be posted on this page as we near audition dates.
Registration
- After submission of your application (including application fee or fee waiver request), you will receive an email with instructions on how to register for your in-person audition.
- You will schedule your own audition via the online system.
- All details, including the exact location of the audition, will be available when registering for the audition.
- Auditions are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Audition dates may fill to capacity before the application deadline. We strongly recommend you submit your application and register for an in-person audition well in advance of the application deadline.
Orientation and Warmup
- Your specific audition time will be assigned at check-in.
- As part of the audition, you are scheduled to take part in a group warm-up and orientation session.
- These sessions provide you with an opportunity to prepare vocally, physically, and mentally for your audition as well as to ask questions about the audition process.
- If you audition in New York, there is limited individual warmup space available.
Audition
- You will audition alone before a panel composed of Drama Division faculty.
- You will be asked to present two monologues – one heightened text and one contemporary.
- Please be mindful of the length of your monologues; we request that each monologue be limited to two minutes in length.
- Please wear comfortable clothing that permits freedom of movement.
New York: First Round Callbacks
- Callbacks will take place on the same day as your scheduled audition.
- First round callback information will be communicated periodically throughout the initial audition session.
- If you are selected to participate in first round callbacks, you should plan on being available for the remainder of the initial audition session.
- During the callbacks, you may be asked to do any or all of the following: repeat your audition monologues, present additional monologues, and sing a cappella.
- If you do not receive a callback, you are no longer under consideration for admission.
New York: Second Round Callbacks
- Second round callbacks will take place on the same day as your scheduled audition.
- Second round callback information will be communicated at the conclusion of first round callbacks.
- If you are selected to participate in second round callbacks, you should be prepared to stay all evening.
- During the callbacks, you may be asked to do any or all of the following: repeat your audition monologues, present additional monologues, sing a cappella, do cold readings, and participate in group exercises and improvisations.
- Some individuals will be asked to stay after the callbacks for an interview with faculty.
- If you do not receive a second round callback, you are no longer under consideration for admission.
Chicago & San Francisco Callbacks
In Chicago and San Francisco, callback lists are posted periodically throughout the morning and afternoon sessions. If you are called back, you may be asked to return at the end of the afternoon session for an end of day callback. On February 4 and February 9, callbacks will begin immediately following the morning session.
Callback Weekend
- Approximately 50 individuals will be selected from second round callbacks to come to New York for four days for a final round callback.
- If invited to the callback weekend, you will work intensively with faculty and have the opportunity to speak to current students and discover more about Juilliard.
- Limited travel stipends for the callback weekend will be available to applicants who demonstrate a high level of financial need.
- The incoming class of 18 students will be selected from this final callback session.
Decisions & Enrolling
Decisions
There are three possible outcomes to the audition process:
Admit
- The faculty recommends you to the Admissions Committee based on your potential and artistry as demonstrated in the audition.
- The Admissions Committee evaluates your academic record and supplemental materials in order to determine your capacity to succeed at Juilliard.
- The Admissions Committee makes the final determination of whom to admit based on their own evaluation, faculty recommendations, and the number of available openings in your major.
- The Office of Admissions releases your decision letter.
Waitlist
- The faculty recommends you to the Admissions Committee based on your potential and artistry as demonstrated in the audition.
- The Admissions Committee evaluates your academic record and supplemental materials in order to determine your capacity to succeed at Juilliard.
- You are placed on the waitlist because, although you are found admissible to the school, we have a limited number of openings.
- Should a place become available, the Admissions Committee evaluates the waitlist, making offers of admission as necessary.
Deny
During the application process, there are three points at which you can be denied admission:
- As a result of prescreening
- At various points in the application and audition process
- Following review by the Admissions Committee
A denial at any of these stages results in notification that you are no longer under consideration for admission.
These decisions will be posted to your application status page as noted on the timeline.
Scholarship & Financial Aid
Juilliard admits without considering your ability to pay. All monies awarded require completion of the scholarship and financial aid forms. To learn more about the awarding process, visit our Office of Financial Aid.
For information about tuition, fees and expenses, please visit Student Accounts.